Takuma Maeda, MD, PhD

Takuma Maeda, MD, PhD, began his professional career as a neurosurgeon at the Saitama Medical University International Medical Center in Japan. There, he diligently treated patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage using both surgical clipping and endovascular coiling. Despite these best efforts, there were cases where patients could not be saved. This realization motivated him to pursue basic research to better understand the mechanisms underlying subarachnoid hemorrhage and to explore strategies for prevention and treatment. Following the completion of his neurosurgery residency program, Dr. Maeda shifted his focus to basic research on amyloid-beta related endothelial cell injury. In 2023, he joined the Barrow Neurological Institute, where he concentrates on intracranial aneurysm research. He is confident that his current research environment and ongoing research proposal will provide a strong foundation for his long-term goal of developing pharmacological interventions to prevent intracranial aneurysm rupture and improve outcomes for patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Please tell us your background, where you are from, schooling, etc.

I was born and raised in Japan, which is known to have a high prevalence of subarachnoid hemorrhage. I lost my grandfather due to a subarachnoid hemorrhage when I was in elementary school. I graduated from Sapporo Medical University and received my medical degree. I completed my junior residency at the Japanese Red Cross Asahikawa Hospital and began my neurosurgery residency at the Saitama Medical University International Medical Center and the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center. After specializing in cerebrovascular surgery and endovascular neurosurgery, I began basic research and received my Ph.D. degree. I joined the Barrow Aneurysm and AVM Research Center (BAARC) at Barrow Neurological Institute in 2023. I conducted the research focusing on the apoptotic cells and senescent cells for intracranial aneurysm rupture and received the New Investigator Award from the American Stroke Association in 2024.

What led you to become involved with brain aneurysm research? 

As a neurosurgeon, I recognize that current medical and surgical approaches have limitations in improving patient outcomes. Therefore, I believe that pharmacological prevention of aneurysm rupture and novel pharmacological treatment of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage are important next steps.

In the simplest terms, what is the purpose of your project?

To evaluate the translational potential of MnP-05, a novel manganese porphyrin-based superoxide-dismutase (SOD) mimic, for treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

In the simplest terms, what do you hope will change through your research findings?

To improve clinical outcomes for patients suffering from subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Why is the funding you are receiving through the Brain Aneurysm Foundation so important?

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a life-threatening disease, and many patients are disabled. However, the government does not spend enough money on aneurysm research compared to, for example, cancer research. In addition, there are not many research grants open to young researchers. BAF grants will provide valuable results that have propelled me toward my long-term goals.